What is DSL?
DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, provides a high-speed digital Internet
connection via a single telephone line. Both voice and data run
simultaneously over this line.
Does DSL require installing an additional phone line?
No. DSL uses a different frequency than voice telephone service.
This allows simultaneous analog voice or fax and DSL to run over
the same telephone line. After the DSL service is turned on, you
will still be able to use your phone in the same way as you do
now. DSL avoids the hassle of installing a second telephone line
and the costs associated with it.
What do the different numbers mean in DSL speeds?
Each DSL line has two speeds, the downstream speed and the upstream
speed. Downstream is the speed at which you can download a file from
an outside source. Upstream is the speed at which you can upload a file
to an outside source. So, for instance, a 768kbs/768kbs DSL line can
download and upload up to 768kbs, while a 1.5mbps/128kbs
DSL line can download at 1.5mbps, but only upload at 128kbs.
Is DSL a constant connection?
DSL is a constant connection. There is no need to dial up or log
on each time you want to get online. Your system is always on
the Internet, 24 hours a day, with a reliable connection running
at speeds many times faster than any dial-up connection can provide.
Is phone service affected by modem loss of power?
DSL modems are designed so that your normal telephone service
will operate even if the modem is unplugged or otherwise disabled.
Is DSL available at my location?
DSL availability is dependent on your distance from your telephone
company's central office that serves your telephone exchange.
If your location is within 18,000 ft and the service is enabled
at that central office, DSL should be available. Call BestWeb
to determine availability.
What equipment do I need?
Single Computer DSL
You will need a DSL modem for your computer and filters for
each telephone jack in your house that you do not want to use
for DSL. The DSL modem must be compatible with the DSL equipment
in your local telephone office. Compatible DSL modems are available
from BestWeb for $149.00. The required filters are called Z-Blockers.
They are in line filters that you plug into the phone jack. The phone
line is then plugged into the filter. If you buy your modem from BestWeb,
we include 3 filters with the modem. More are available for an additional
charge. If you have a PC, you may require an Ethernet card. You can
purchase these from BestWeb for $12.00. Please note
that if you will be using a laptop, you will need to provide your own Ethernet
card.
Small Network DSL
You will need a DSL router and filters for each telephone jack in your
house that you do not want to use for DSL. A compatible DSL router, which
includes a built-in modem, is available from BestWeb for $249.00. Three filters
are included with the router.
Several networking companies provide DSL routers which require separate DSL modems to operate.
These products include Linksys Broadband (cable/DSL) routers, SMC Barricades and D-Link Internet
server/routers. If you choose to purchase your own equipment, find out if the product you are
obtaining requires a separate DSL modem. If this is the case, contact us regarding
BestWeb-supplied equipment based on your service contract.
If I have/had DSL at my location and am switching to BestWeb,
will my modem work?
Yes, if you had or still have DSL service, you modem is compatible
with the DSL equipment in your local telephone office, and will
therefore work with BestWeb's service.
Can I buy equipment on my own?
Yes, but we don't recommend it. If you purchase your own equipment,
we cannot insure compatibility. Also, buying a different modem or router
from the ones BestWeb recommends and provides will hinder BestWeb's
Technical Support's ability to help you trouble shoot your service,
should you have any difficulties. Compatible modems are available
from BestWeb for $149.00. A compatible router is available from BestWeb
for $249.00. If you choose to purchase your own modem, it must be compatible
with the local phone company equipment.
Who does the installation?
Your DSL service will be turned on at your local telephone company
central office. If you are purchasing the equipment from BestWeb, we will send
you the equipment and an install kit. In-home installations are available for $99.00.
Free installations of Ethernet cards at BestWebs office
are available if necessary - an appointment will be scheduled
for you to drop off your computer for the installation.
Do I need a static IP?
A dynamic IP changes and you do not know ahead of time what it will be. With a static IP, you know what it is and it always stays the
same. You need a static IP if:
(1) You have a device (an e-mail server, web server, or FTP
server) that the outside world needs to get to, (2) You have a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or (3) You
need to get to a site that is protected by a firewall - who can get in is
often determined by the IP address.
Do I receive access if my DSL service is interrupted?
Yes. Although we do not anticipate any service interruptions,
if you ever experience problems with your DSL service, BestWeb
will provide you with free dial-up access until the problem is
resolved.
What are the minimum hardware requirements?
- Windows 95/98 or NT 4.0
- Intel Pentium/Pentium Pro/Pentium MMX/Pentium II, AMD K5/K6,
or Cyrix 586/686 processor
- 32MB RAM (64MB recommended)
- 25MB free hard drive space
- Resources to accommodate an Ethernet card if one is not already
present (available PCI slot, available IRQ, available I/O resources)
Residential DSL is also compatible with Macintosh and Macintosh-compatible
computers using PowerPC technology that have MacOS 7.5.5 and higher
(including Open Transport 1.1.1 through 2.0.2) and a USB Port.
Can I connect multiple computers?
Yes, you can connect multiple computers at no additional cost.
How does DSL compare to cable modems?
Cable modems offer service over a shared cable. Bandwidth is shared
among all the users connected to this cable line, and access speed
will therefore vary, perhaps dramatically, as more users in a
neighborhood get online. With a DSL connection, your bandwidth
is yours - in terms of how much data you can send and receive
and in terms of who sees it. Because cable modems utilize what
is essentially a broadcast technology, packets destined for your
cable modem (and ultimately your computer) are also sent to every
nearby subscriber's home or office. Their computers are configured
to examine these packets, determine that they are not intended
for their place on the network, and discard them. However, it
is a simple matter to change this configuration to "capture the
traffic" of fellow cable modem customers. What this means is that
your neighbors are privy to your Internet requests when using
a cable modem. DSL, which is a private dedicated connection from
you to the network, eliminates this concern.
What are the main benefits of DSL?
- Simultaneous Internet and voice/fax capabilities over a single
telephone line
- Uninterrupted, high-speed Internet access that's always online
- A cost-effective access solution
